Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Bars

I made these today after reviewing a new cookbook at my book review blog, Books and Chocolate.  Yummy! (But not so great for my diet...)

Cherry Cheesecake Bars

from You Be Sweet

2/3 c. all purpose flour

2/3 c. quick oats

1/4 c. brown sugar or brown sugar substitute

1/4 c. chopped pecans

1/4 c. butter

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. sugar or sugar substitute

2 t. vanilla extract

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup dried cherries, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Press the crumbs into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.  While the crust is baking, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.  Gradually add the eggs, beating on low speed just until combined.  Stir in the cherries.  Spread over the partially baked crust.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until the cream cheese layer is set.  Cool at least 2 hours before serving.  Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

My notes:

The dried bing cherries I used turned out brown which made it look more like prunes instead of cherries, but the bars still tasted good. I'm thinking of trying Craisins next time.